The bio of The Infamous Stringdusters tries to highlight the diversity of sounds in the Nashville, Tenn., sextet’s music.
“Though the band is rooted in the traditions of bluegrass,” it says, “fans can always expect to hear a mix of country, bluegrass and free form improvisations that help make every show a one-of-a-kind experience.”
Live improvisation? Well, sure. Country? I guess, insomuch as traditional bluegrass is a close cousin of honky-tonk.
But the truth is, The Infamous Stringdusters are as bluegrassy a band as you’ll find in these times when the boundaries of bluegrass have been stretched beyond recognition.
That’s a good thing. The Stringdusters came together in 2004 and spent the past five years releasing two albums on the iconic Sugar Hill record label, winning three International Bluegrass Music Association awards, and playing their high-energy, super-skilled bluegrass in nightclubs, theaters, wherever.
That’s right: This is real bluegrass. Guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro, fiddle, bass, and enough high lonesome sound to make ol’ Bill Monroe proud.
Hear them for yourself at www.the stringdusters.com, and then head to Black Butte Ranch tonight for the band’s concert to benefit the Sisters School District’s Americana Project program, which teaches kids all about songwriting.
The Infamous Stringdusters, with Americana Project students; 6 tonight; $5 suggested donation, proceeds benefit the Americana Project; Black Butte Ranch’s lakeside lawn, milepost 93 on U.S. Highway 20, eight miles west of Sisters; 541-595-1510 or kwilliams@ blackbutteranch.com.
